Luxury Accommodation in the
Heart of Stone Town, Zanzibar

Logo for Fort View in Stone Town, Zanzibar featuring a stylized white fort tower with a rounded top and small window, surrounded by the text 'STONE TOWN, ZANZIBAR' at the top, 'LUXURY ACCOMMODATION' at the bottom, and the name 'FORT VIEW' across the center.

Fort View offers luxury accommodation in the heart of Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, directly opposite the Old Fort – Zanzibar’s oldest building.

Stone Town, the historic centre of Zanzibar, is famed for its coral-stone architecture, reflecting centuries of Arab, Persian, Indian, and European influence.

As the cultural heart of the island, Stone Town has changed little over the past two centuries. It’s a place of winding alleyways, bustling bazaars, mosques, and grand Arab-Indian townhouses—many adorned with intricately carved, brass-studded wooden doors, a symbol of the island's former wealth and cosmopolitan identity.

Wander through the narrow streets to discover the layered history and enduring charm of this unique coastal city.

Fort View is ideally located at the intersection of two of Stone Town’s most historic streets: Gizenga Street, home to the Freddie Mercury Museum, and Hurumzi Street, which leads to the iconic Old Fort amphitheatre. With all major landmarks and excursions just steps away, Fort View is the perfect base from which to explore the island’s past and present.

Accommodation & Amenities

  • Four luxury apartments, each with two bedrooms

  • Upper deck with panoramic views of the Old Fort and the sea

  • Continental breakfast buffet included

  • Each apartment offers air conditioning, Wi-Fi, tea/coffee station, safe, bar fridge, drinking water, beach towels and luxurious bathroom products

  • No pets allowed

  • Staff service apartments daily

Fort View features four luxury apartments, all accessed from the 1st floor. Each apartment has two bedrooms, a comfortable lounge, and at least one bathroom. Rooms 101 & 102 feature access to a verandah with views of the Old Fort, and rooms 103 & 104 offer views of Gizenga Street.

The second floor offers an expansive viewing deck, with panoramic views of the Old Fort and the sea. A continental breakfast buffet is set out every morning, featuring fresh fruit, creamy yoghurt, artisanal cheeses, and a selection of pastries, breads and cereals.

Unlike many nearby hotels, Fort View offers direct front door access for convenient vehicle transfers — no winding walks or luggage hauling required, while the doorman ensures your further safety and convenience.

    • Two bedrooms each with four‑poster bed and mosquito net

    • Verandah access with Old Fort views

    • Comfortable lounge

    • Bathroom with shower

    • Amenities: air conditioning, Wi-Fi, safe, tea/coffee station, bar fridge, drinking water, beach towels and luxurious bathroom products

    • Two bedrooms each with four‑poster bed and mosquito net

    • Verandah access with Old Fort views

    • Comfortable lounge

    • Two bathrooms with showers, one of them ensuite

    • Amenities: air conditioning, Wi-Fi, safe, tea/coffee station, bar fridge, drinking water, beach towels and luxurious bathroom products

    • Two bedrooms each with four‑poster bed and mosquito net

    • Views of Gizenga Street

    • Comfortable lounge

    • Bathroom with shower

    • Amenities: air conditioning, Wi-Fi, safe, tea/coffee station, bar fridge, drinking water, beach towels and luxurious bathroom products

    • Two bedrooms each with four‑poster bed and mosquito net

    • Views of Gizenga Street

    • Comfortable lounge

    • Bathroom with shower

    • Amenities: air conditioning, Wi-Fi, safe, tea/coffee station, bar fridge, drinking water, beach towels and luxurious bathroom products

Gallery

View of the Old Fort – historic fortification with stone walls and watchtowers overlooks a grassy courtyard with people, set against the ocean with ships and a sunset sky. Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Fort View accommodation to the left and the Old Fort to the right. Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Fort View accommodation to the right and the Old Fort to the left. Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Fort View accommodation to the right and the Old Fort to the left. Stone Town, Zanzibar.
A glimpse of Fort View accommodation behind the walls of the Old Fort. Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Open-air amphitheater of the Old Fort with curved stone seating surrounded by trees and historic stone buildings in a lively outdoor market. Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Palm trees growing behind a weathered stone wall under a clear blue sky. Old Fort, Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Outdoor dining set on the upper deck of Fort View luxury accommodation, overlooking the Old Fort, Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Buffet table filled with various fruits, pastries, and breakfast items. Outdoor dining set on the upper deck of Fort View luxury accommodation, overlooking the Old Fort, Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Buffet table filled with various fruits, pastries, and breakfast items. Outdoor dining set on the upper deck of Fort View luxury accommodation, overlooking the Old Fort, Stone Town, Zanzibar.
A balcony with a wicker table, two chairs, a bottle of champagne in an ice bucket, and two glasses of champagne, overlooking aged stone walls and a bright sky at sunset.
A bottle of red wine and two glasses of red wine on a balcony with a scenic view of trees and a historical building in the background
A house number plaque displaying the number 101, with a wooden background and a decorative dark frame.
A bedroom with a four-poster bed draped in white mosquito netting, two bedside lamps, a wooden bench at the foot of the bed, and an open doorway leading to a balcony with outdoor furniture and scenic view.
A room with open wooden window shutters, a standing wooden clothing rack with a white bathrobe, a small safe, a mirror with a dark frame, and a wall-mounted air conditioning unit.
Modern bathroom with a window, sink, and toilet.
Living room viewed through an archway, featuring a sofa, a small coffee table, a wooden armchair, a standing lamp, wall art, a window with a view of a stone wall and greenery, a mirror, and a potted plant.
Modern hotel room with a white canopy bed, bedside lamp, and sitting area near a balcony with plants and wall art.
Living room with white walls, wooden window, and sofa with colorful pillows. There is a floor lamp, a small coffee table with a plant, and a colorful lion painting on the wall.
Old, weathered, round fortress wall with cracks and small plants growing on it, viewed through window shutters on a clear day.
Street scene with small shops and vendors, a woman standing at the entrance of a shop with a sign that reads '1001 Organic Spicery', and people walking or sitting on the sidewalk.
Cityscape with historic castle walls, palm trees, and a church in the background during daytime.
Aerial view of a coastal city with a harbor filled with boats, historic buildings, and dense urban area, near a large body of water.
Sunset over the ocean with two ships silhouetted against the sky.

Our Story

Built over a century ago and passed down through four generations, Fort View is more than just a place to stay — it’s a living piece of Stone Town’s history. This is the story of the family behind the building, whose legacy of architecture, resilience, and hospitality continues to shape its walls today.

1st Generation

The origins of Fort View can be traced back to the 1890s, to the Sachania family of Dhrol, Saurashtra in what is now Gujarat State, India. Pitamber Ajmer Sachania, a pioneer of his time, came to Zanzibar and established himself as a successful building contractor. In 1900, he built the Fort View building for his wife, three sons, and their extended family.

2nd Generation

His eldest son, Dayalji Pitamber Sachania, was born in Zanzibar in 1913. He later qualified as an architect in London and returned to Zanzibar to set up his own private practice. Dayalji went on to design many notable public and private buildings, including the New Majestic Cinema, the Aga Khan School, the Hindu Temple, and Mehta Hospital.

Working from the top floor of Fort View, he became known for his Indo-Arabic architectural style and was respected by people of all communities. In his office, he kept the Qur'an, the Bible, and the Bhagavad Gita side by side—a quiet expression of unity and respect.

After his sudden death in 1960, his wife Muktaben Dayalji Sachania inherited the building and lived in the top apartment. A determined and courageous woman, she refused to abandon the home during the Zanzibar Revolution of 1963, even as many of her husband’s relatives returned to India. Her loyalty to Zanzibar was recognised by the Revolutionary Government, which chose not to nationalise Fort View—unlike many other buildings in Stone Town. She passed away in 1986.

3rd Generation

Tarla Sachania, the eldest daughter of Dayalji and Muktaben, was born in the building in 1937. She inherited Fort View in 1990. Though she lived abroad, she remained committed to the family legacy, maintaining the building with the support of her husband.

After a long battle with illness, she passed away in London in 2020. Her ashes were returned to Zanzibar and scattered according to her wishes.

4th Generation

Following the death of his father in 2008 and during his mother Tarla’s declining health, Bhashen (Bhash)—also born in the building—stepped in to carry the family legacy forward, with the full support of his siblings.

He embarked on an ambitious restoration project, carefully renovating the 125-year-old building and naming it Fort View. Together with his partner Linette, he lovingly designed and furnished the property into the luxurious residence it is today—“where history meets contemporary living.”

They now invite you into their family home, and hope you’ll treat it with the same care, love, and joy that has defined it for over a century.

Experiences

From the doorstep of Fort View Luxury Accommodation, the wonders of Stone Town unfold. Nestled in the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, directly opposite the Old Fort, guests are perfectly placed to explore a vibrant mix of history, culture, shopping, and seaside charm. Contact us for further information on booking excursions and guided tours: info@fortviewzanzibar.com

  • Old wooden door with intricate carved frame and weathered paint, set in a stone wall, Stone Town, Zanzibar.

    Wander the Labyrinthine Alleys

    Lose yourself in the maze of narrow streets lined with carved wooden doors, lively cafés, and hidden courtyards — the true heart of Stone Town.

  • A narrow street in a historic area with shops selling colorful crafts and accessories. People walk and sit along the sidewalk, with old buildings and a hanging sign that reads '1001 Organic Spicery', Stone Town, Zanzibar.

    Shop for Spices & Souvenirs

    From aromatic spice stalls to colourful kangas, wood carvings, jewellery, and local art, Stone Town is a treasure trove for unique gifts and keepsakes.

  • View of the Old Fort with a walking path on the left, a grassy courtyard with people, and palm trees in the background, Stone Town, Zanzibar.

    Visit The Old Fort

    Step inside Zanzibar’s oldest building, dating back to the 17th century. Today, it’s a cultural hub with craft stalls, an amphitheatre, and vibrant performances.

  • Darajani Market selling fruits with vendors, shoppers, a man on a motorcycle, and a building in the background, Stone Town, Zanzibar.

    Explore Darajani Market

    Immerse yourself in local life at this bustling market, overflowing with spices, tropical fruit, fresh seafood, and colourful fabrics.

  • People at a street food stall with skewered meats, fried snacks, French fries, and other dishes, with outdoor setting and other food vendors in the background during sunset, Forodhani Market, Stone Town, Zanzibar.

    Stroll Forodhani Gardens at Sunset

    As the sun sets, the waterfront gardens come alive with sizzling seafood, Zanzibar pizzas, sugarcane juice, and a lively evening buzz.

  • Aerial view of Mangapwani, Prison Island, with boats anchored in clear blue water, sandy shoreline, and lush green trees in the background, Stone Town, Zanzibar.

    Relax on a Nearby Beach

    Take a short trip to Mangapwani, Prison Island, or even the small sandy stretch by the seafront to soak up the sun and enjoy Zanzibar’s turquoise waters.

  • A historical black-and-white illustration depicting the Slave Market in a village with people, some of whom appear to be in conversation, others seated or standing. The setting includes trees and simple buildings. Stone Town, Zanzibar.

    Discover the Slave Market

    A sobering but important site, the former slave market grounds now house a memorial and the striking Christ Church Cathedral, honouring Zanzibar’s complex past.

  • The Sultan's Palace - a white historic building with arched doorways, small balconies, and a decorative battlement-style roofline, surrounded by a white wall, under a partly cloudy sky. Stone Town, Zanzibar.

    Visit the Sultan’s Palace

    Once home to Zanzibar’s sultans, this palace is now a museum showcasing royal heritage, ornate furnishings, and the island’s Omani past.

  • Forodhani Gardens at Sunset - silhouettes of five people sitting and standing by the water at sunset, with numerous boats anchored in the bay and a large ship in the distance. Stone Town, Zanzibar.

    Embrace the Evening Buzz

    End the day with live taarab music, rooftop cocktails, or a moonlit stroll along the seafront promenade, soaking up the island’s unique rhythm.

Contact Us

Ready to plan your stay at Fort View and enjoy the wonders of Stone Town? Send us an enquiry and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

info@fortviewzanzibar.com

bookings@fortviewzanzibar.com

Address: Behind the Old Fort, Stone Town, Zanzibar

Aerial view of a historic lighthouse and surrounding fortress walls overlooking a colonial city with a harbor, ships, and palm trees at sunset.
Aerial view of a historic walled city with a stone fortress, surrounded by modern buildings, green trees, and parked cars. A church steeple is visible in the background under a clear sky.
An outdoor dining area with a wooden table set for a meal, surrounded by black chairs, under a wooden roof with hanging pendant lights. In the background, a white stone structure and tropical greenery are visible.
Palm trees growing behind a weathered stone wall against a blue sky.
A bedroom with a four-poster bed draped in white canopy curtains, beige bedding, and tropical-themed accents. A living area with a black sofa, potted plants, and decorative wall art is visible through an arched opening.
A bedroom with a four-poster bed covered with white canopy netting, two bedside lamps, and a bench at the foot of the bed. There is an open door leading to a balcony with outdoor chairs, a table with a wine bottle, and a scenic view.
A balcony with a wicker table and chairs, a bucket with a bottle of wine and two glasses, overlooking an aged stone wall at sunset.
A black and white photo of multiple sailboats docked at a marina with buildings and a cloudy sky in the background.
A small sailboat with a dark hull and a white sail navigating calm waters near sunset, with a distant landmass on the horizon.